Omiyale happy to move from guard to tackle

Lineman knows he still has to compete for starting job

April 24, 2010|By Vaughn McClure, Tribune reporter

Although Frank Omiyale started 12 games at left guard for the Bears last season, no one had to beg him to make the switch to right tackle.

"It's what I wanted,'' Omiyale said Saturday during the Bears Expo at Soldier Field. "I always wanted to be a tackle. I have a good coach (Mike Tice) who is going to get me right. I'm excited. Everything has been going good so far.''

Just because he ended last season as a starter doesn't necessarily mean Omiyale will automatically start at tackle. Kevin Shaffer, who ended last season as the starting right tackle, remains on the roster. James Marten is a project who spent most of last season on the practice squad but was elevated to the active roster. And the Bears drafted tackle J'Marcus Webb in the seventh round Saturday.

"I never feel like anything is guaranteed,'' Omiyale said. "Every year you have to work. Just like last year, I had to work for a job. They could bring in somebody you don't even know about. I just go out to earn a job. I like to feed my family just like everybody else.''

Calling all arms: Bears President and CEO Ted Phillips gave his assessment of the team drafting quarterback Dan LeFevour in the sixth round.

"He wasn't really on the radar screen because he had such a high grade by our scouts that they didn't think he would come anywhere close to falling in our lap,'' Phillips said. "Plus we weren't looking for a quarterback, obviously. But you can never have enough young talent.

"What it reminded me of … was back when Green Bay had Brett Favre, Mark Brunell and Matt Hasselbeck … three quarterbacks that became pretty darn good starters, two of them elsewhere. If that's what happens over time, then that's a good thing for us as well.''

Extra points: Running back Chester Taylor on his perception of the Bears while he was a member of the Vikings: "I always thought the Bears were a great team and that I was in the wrong locker room.'' … Former Bears offensive lineman Tom Thayer called Chris Williams the best left tackle in the NFC North. "If you want to argue the point, I'll stand up here and argue with you,'' Thayer said while addressing the fans. … The start of Phillips' question-and-answer session was interrupted by a roar from fans in the back watching Marian Hossa score the winning goal for the Blackhawks over the Predators. "I didn't think what I said was that amazing, but thanks for the cheers,'' Phillips joked.